ODESSA, Texas – Rogers State Baseball opened up the 2019 season on Friday with a doubleheader split against the University of Texas – Permian Basin.
The Hillcats (1-1) came from behind to defeat the Falcons (1-1) in game one 7-4. But the hosts would return the favor, overcoming a deficit in game two, winning 7-3 over Rogers State.
The Hillcats fell behind early in game one, as Permian Basin took the lead in the second inning with a two-run bases-loaded single by Tylor Frailey.
The hosts would add to their lead in the fourth inning with an RBI single from Peyton Koopman.
Rogers State would then start their comeback in the fifth inning, as
Zack Mann put the Hillcats on the scoreboard with a single to center field, scoring
Mason Harvey, who reached on a fielder's choice.
After Mann was caught stealing, Rogers State had to start from scratch with two outs and the bases empty.
Griffin Keller and
Grant Farris drew back-to-back walks and
Nick Follett cut the deficit to 3-2 with a single to left, scoring Keller.
Permian Basin would answer back with a run in the bottom of the fifth inning, as Tyler Vlasek tripled home Skyler Palermo, but that would be the last of the runs allowed by the Hillcats pitching staff.
The Hillcats then took the lead in the sixth inning, plating four runs. With two runners on, Harvey reached on a fielder's choice as
Brandon Bradshaw came around to score on an error by the pitcher.
Mann then stepped up and singled home
Christian Merriwether to tie the game. Mann then stole second and Keller was hit by a pitch to load the bases for Farris, who walked home the go-ahead run.
Follett would then extend the lead with a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Mann on the play.
In the seventh inning, the Hillcats would add one more insurance run, loading the bases, which allowed Harvey to score on a wild pitch.
Joey Lucas came on to relieve
Hunter Johnson in the fifth inning and earned the win with 2/3 of an innings work. Lucas had a strikeout and a fly out in the only two batters faced.
Brock Knoten would earn the two-inning save, pitching the sixth and seventh without allowing a base runner. Knoten would record two strikeouts.
Merriwether finished a perfect 3-for-3 with a double and a walk, while Mann went 3-for-4 with a walk and two RBIs to lead the way for the Hillcats.
In game two, it was the Hillcats who took an early lead, scoring two in the top of the first. After an error allowed Harvey to reach and Mann walked, Farris tripled to right field, scoring both Hillcats.
However, the Hillcats would strand the bases loaded and then stranded two more in the second.
Permian Basin cut the lead in half in the bottom of the third as Pemron Burrows scored on a wild pitch after reaching third on a bunt single, balk and stolen base.
Rogers State would extend the lead back to two in the top of the fourth, as Mann singled with runners on the corners, allowing Merriwether to score from third. However, the visitors would leave two more stranded in the fourth.
The lead would vanish quickly for the Hillcats in the bottom of the fourth as Permian Basin loaded the bases and then drew a walk to score the opening run of the inning. They would then take the lead on a Gabriel Melendez grand slam to right field, putting the Falcons ahead 6-3.
In the fifth, Permian Basin would extend the lead as Rogers State errors allowed a sacrifice bunt attempt turn into a run all the way from first base.
Corey Murphy picked up the loss for the Hillcats, allowing four runs on 2 hits and two walks in 3.1 innings pitched.
Joey Lucas allowed the grand slam and was credited with two runs against.
Mann would go 2-for-2 with a pair of walks in the game, finishing the day off 5-for-6 with three walks, three RBIs and two runs scored.
Rogers State and Texas-Permian Basin will wrap up the three-game series on Saturday, with first pitch of the rubber match set for 1 p.m. at Roden Field.
